Ewan is three!

My little lovable monster, we survived the two’s!  You started out the first half of your second year saying ‘NO!’ and ‘YUCKY (GUCKY)!’ to just about everything.  You didn’t want to go in your car seat, or ride in your stroller or eat anything we made you for dinner.  You squirmed your way out of getting dressed each morning, you went limp when we tried putting you in your crib for bed and you would make messes and refuse to help clean them up.  When we said ‘no’ it made you that much more excited to do the opposite.  The more dangerous the better!  You gave new meaning to baby-proofing…to the point where we had to Ewan-proof the baby-proofing.  But somehow you managed to pepper each day with this ungodly cuteness and slobber us with kisses to remind us all that you are the greatest little boy to have ever been born.  After a bout of the terrible twos, your heart and soul would burst in to the most incredible show of empathy, love and kindness.  You would show us that you are filled with so much shining gold that it could cure those little tantrums and make us forget about all of your two year old shortcomings.   

You have the cutest most-crooked teeth and your smile glows.  You’ve grown taller by the day this year.  Your weight has been 30 pounds since you were 18 months old, but you’re as tall as a giant.  Your high pitched voice sounds like a sweet baby bird.  You have the best hand-eye coordination of any two year old….really any kid for that matter.  You nail the target just about every single time.  Be it playing catch with Daddy or shooting baskets on your little hoop.  One minute you want to ‘do it self!’ and the next minute you want one of us to cater to your every need.  When someone in the family is stressed, you rub our arm and say ‘Deep Breffs.’ (deep breaths) You love construction sites and anything with wheels.  Your vocabulary is booming and you are talking to us all the time!  You’re still a picky eater, but you do love cucumbers, peppers, apples, pizza and tater tots!  Recently you’ve added peanut butter jelly without the crust!  When a song comes on you say ‘dis my fay-vrite!’ and start singing and dancing.  You love Richard Scary books and the show ‘Mighty Machines.’ You have become a little racer on your balance bike and speed is no object.  You love to pick on your sisters and mess up their room and take their things.  You think it’s hilarious.  You definitely keep them on their toes!   You say things like ‘Oh dear!’ when you’re concerned or ‘Hey guys, what’s happening here?’ when you see something out of place.  Your worried look is adorable and you are always assessing your surroundings.  You are starting preschool in the fall.  You’re my wild man and I love it.  You’re my magic man and make bad moments disappear.  Your little boy charm is captivating.  You complete our family in ways that make us all shine!   I love you my sweet Ewan Stone.  Happy Birthday big boy….three is going to be F.U.N.!  

xo

Millie is 9!

Millie Millie!  Eeeeek, you’re 9!!  Although, it actually feels like you’re older because you have grown sooooooo much this year.  Not only physically (you’re about to catch up to me) but also you’ve blossomed into a young lady.  I don’t know where the time goes, but I’m making sure I spend as much time with you as I possibly can.  And fortunately you still want your mama :)  My heart goes pitter patter in your presence.  I miss you when you’re at school.  You accomplished a lot in year number 8 and I think you had the time of your life in 3rd grade.   

When we found out who your teacher was, the day before 3rd grade started, you got notice that you were in Ms. Mays class….all of your other really close friends got Ms. Janzen.  My heart broke for you a little, but quickly healed when I saw what an incredible attitude you had about “going solo!”  You held your head up high and confidently walked into your classroom and ended up having your BEST year yet!  Not only were you a top speller in the class, wrote stellar reports, and became the fastest student at math facts, your friend making skills soared to new heights.  You embraced getting to know new kids and making some seriously incredible friendships.  You made it your mission to help the new students feel welcome and included.  Ms. Nash actually pulled me aside in the hall to make sure I knew that you were making them feel good.  You never complained about school or not being with your besties….you used it as a good excuse to try new things and hang out with new people.  Your leadership skills grew and you soared.  As much as I loved seeing you bring home good grades, it made me even more proud to see you being such a good human.   

You continue to be a force on the soccer field and your leadership shines on your team as well.  You had your first hat trick in your career.  And I must note that prior to having your best game yet, you ran a 5K for Girls on the Run earlier that morning and went rock climbing after the game.  Whew!  You’re an incredible athlete little lady!  You work hard and you’re competitive and you’re learning how to gracefully win and gracefully lose.  You hate to lose.  It’s fun to watch your determination and grit.  Your game face is tough and your action on the field is even tougher.  

Things you loved at 8….The T.V. show Fuller House, bean burritos, skateboarding, your friends, your family, The Sounders, babysitters, cantaloupe, dance parties, hand jives, trading school supplies, and reading! You got braces and you got your ears pierced.  8 was a big year….but I think 9 will be even bigger.  

Millie Beans, I can’t tell you how much you mean to me.  I get choked up thinking about it because it is beyond anything i can put into words.  You made me a mama and i have loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you.  The bond that we have is everything to me.   I get you and you get me…for better or for worse.  I can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in life, Sweet Millie, and I promise you I am savoring every moment of watching you grow.  Happy Birthday you amazing girl!!!!!  xx

Explorers

Last day of school!

with their favorite teachers and their favorite friends. 

How he felt about swim lessons.

Tea Party with their friends.

4th of July.

You are my sunshine!

Uncle Billy!

Big and little

She's a ham!

My little man

Tree Huggers

Mt. Baker with The Berardi's

Twinning!